Tuesday, April 01, 2008

631. Du Rêve, De La Mathématique, Et De La Mort - Howard Nemerov

.On dreams, on mathematics, and on death.Card-catalogues turn up such heady stuffSometimes as this, this rapture from the depthsWhich isn't where it should be on the shelf.For a moment, remembering Borges' poor young clerk,I idly consider writing it myself,Setting record for the shortest workThe world had ever seen on three such themesOf such import as death and math and dreams.

I think of asking that a search be made,But give it up, my French is not so greatAnd right now I've plenty on my plateWithout this title turned up by pure chanceAs if designed to bait my ignorance.Any yet––? But I shall let this once-glimpsed fishSwim through the deep of thought beyond my wish,And resign myself to knowing nothing moreDu rêve, de la mathématique, et de la mort.